Sputnik 1
Facts About Sputnik 1:
- Sputnik 1 was the first human-made object to orbit the Earth.
- It was a metal sphere 58 cm (23 in) in diameter with four radio antennas to broadcast a simple beeping sound via radio.
- It orbited for three weeks before its batteries died, then orbited for two months (1,440 orbits) before falling and burning up in the atmosphere.
Classification: Spacecraft, unmanned
(orbiting Earth)
Naming: Sputnik is Russian for spouse or traveling companion, but also means satellite.Mass: 83.6 kg
Developed by: Soviet Union
Mission: Technology demonstration
Launched: 04th October, 1957
Mission Ended: 1958.0104